I still expect Ewers to be named the starter after the next scrimmage, for myriad reasons. That said, I've examined my thoughts around my outlook if Card were named the guy, and it's very grim.
First of all, I'd be worried about our future on the NIL front. Only fools and aggies are ignorant or indifferent about NIL at this point. I know for a fact that Sarkisian isn't. Therefore, he'd be naming Card the starter with good information in his head around ramifications, so it be a really big bet. People on the boards can whine about donors and such all they want, but there isn't any heartburn over Neyor going down from folks who helped on NIL for him. We have realistic support compared to what the media and Internet thinks.
Ewers riding the pine behind Card would be a whole 'nother thing. It won't even be so much about who has already helped, but more about trying to convince the inactive blue hairs that are happy to give to the program to have their name on shit, but don't think players should be given a damned thing and be grateful for it. Hell, a good chunk of the big money actually fucking played at Texas and they've responded like that.
Second of all, I know players can get better and should get better after their freshmen seasons. I called Sam Ehlinger a loser on this board after his meltdowns in 2017 and he turned out to be a hell of a competitor when he wasn't concussed. So maybe Card shows up and goes fucking nuts this season as we win the conference title. It could happen. I just don't see it in the guy, and in-game mental issues, to me, are tough to fix in the offseason.
Third, there are cultural implications inside the locker room which could be problematic. No one is expecting Card to be the man. That would be quite an audible for folks.
Finally, that shit will matter in the future with the transfer portal, as well as in recruiting.